Mr. Heiser said, “Sheila and I are very thrilled that this year’s record breaking turnout of girls, especially with the ones who have chosen to attend year after year, have made this the premier girl’s chess championship in the United States.”

Shelia’s usual attentiveness to the players showed through, as she provided player badges with custom lanyards, fancy pencils, door prizes. Other special touches included decorations and signs to wish happy birthday to the girls whose special day came during the tournament.

Competition was especially fierce this year. Draws were scarce and Kiana Arab of Scottsdale, Arizona was the only player to achieve a perfect score, in the Under 14 section. Under-18 champion Ellen Xiang was still fighting in the final round for the title even after defeating last year’s champ, Anupama Rajendra, in round four.

Before the game Ellen and I decided that she should play a simple quiet opening, keeping in mind the aggressive style of her opponent. My suggestion was the London System or the Colle. 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.c3
No complications! 3...b5?!

This was a pleasant surprise for Ellen. Black is trying to fight for the initiative on move number three? c3 is not the best move but definitely not a mistake, thus Black should try to develop pieces first. 4.Bf4 Bb7 5.e3
5.dxc5 is an interesting idea 5... e6 6.a4 bxa4 7.Dxa4 but the game plan was to avoid complications. 5...a6 6.Nbd2 e6 7.Be2 Be7 8.h3 0–0 9.0–0 Qh5?
The opening is over. Black should play simple chess with cd4 and Nc6. 10.Bh2 f5

Lilia starts an attack on the King side. White should try to use the discoordination of the Black pieces. 11.dxc5!
Beginning the plan to control the black squares and exploit the queenside weaknesses and the time advantage. 11...Bxc5 12.Nb3 Bb6 13.Ne5 Nf6 14.Nd4
Probably it was better to play 14.a4 first and if 14...bxa4 15.Nd414...Qe7 15.a4!
A typical move to break the mini chain. 15...d6 16.Nef3 bxa4 17.Qxa4 Ne4 18.Qb3!
Simple and strong, forcing Black to trade the Bishop. 18...Bxd4 19.exd4